After ‘I Love Muhammad’ Controversy, ‘I Love Mahadev’ Posters Surface in UP's Varanasi

Trending News: The ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy, which began in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is now sparking religious tension in addition to political debate. In Varanasi, Hindu saints launched a strong counter-campaign called ‘I Love Mahadev.’ Led by Shankaracharya Narendranand Saraswati, the saints took to the streets with placards, raised slogans, and put up posters across parks and residential areas. Hundreds of saints and devotees joined the protest, marching from the city’s historic ghats and temples. Speaking to the crowd, the Shankaracharya said the campaign was a response to attempts to show strength in the name of ‘I Love Muhammad’ and warned that Mahadev’s army would act if peace was ignored.

Kashi resonated with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’

Protesters, holding placards reading ‘I Love Mahadev,’ marched from Kashi Vishwanath Temple to Dashashwamedh Ghat. The route echoed with the sound of conch shells and chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev.’ Under the leadership of saints, youths and women also actively participated.

Poster campaign and announcement of the ‘Mahadev Army’

As part of the campaign, ‘I Love Mahadev’ posters were put up in major parks, markets, and residential areas of the city. The Shankaracharya claimed that the ‘Mahadev Army’ includes five crore soldiers who receive training similar to the army. Additionally, a force of over 1 million Naga sadhus is always ready. One saint said, “‘The frenzy being spread in the name of ‘I Love Muhammad’ is an attempt to destabilize the government. Our campaign conveys a message of peace, but if necessary, our army is always prepared.” No violence occurred during the protest, but the police deployed heavy security as a precaution.